Tizoc S. Loza’s current position overseeing Northrup Grumman’s global supplier diversity program is the culmination of a long involvement in mentoring and community outreach that began before he embarked on a successful 28-year career in the Aerospace Industry. As a student at California State University, Long Beach, Mr. Loza saw a need for an organization assisting under-represented students and became one of the founders of the Hispanic Students Business Association. Young Tizoc was involved in curating corporate sponsorship opportunities, organizing membership drives, and developing relationships with various corporate recruiters.

The skills he gained and the contacts he through his HSBA experience proved invaluable. After graduating from college, Mr. Loza joined Xerox as a marketing representative before moving into the aerospace industry, with stints at the Hughes Aircraft Company and TRW.

In 2004, the Northrop Grumman Corporation acquired TRW, and Mr. Loza’s didn’t miss a beat. He became active in supporting education initiatives and working to offer subcontracting opportunities to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges/Universities (HBCU/HSI/TCUs). He’s provided valuable experience resolving actual industry dilemmas for students and staff through the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé program. Through this program, Mr. Loza has aided Northrop Grumman in transferring knowledge, funding, and curriculum to students and staff at these learning institutions and has opened a pipeline to employment for numerous minorities.

In addition, Mr. Loza, has utilized the Northrop Grumman University Alliance program to provide opportunities to HBCU/HSI/TCUs with initial seed funding in various STEM-related disciplines, and to provide equipment and classroom training. Moreover, he mentors Hispanic students in the Virginia school district, helping them remain motivated to complete high school and attend college. He’s also an active participant in K-12 STEM programs, serving as a speaker and providing organizational assistance to multiple educational conferences.

Mr. Loza is the recipient of numerous special awards and professional recognitions including: Career Communication Group’s Top Supporter of HBCUs; Northrop Grumman World Class Team Award; Department of Defense Nunn-Perry Team Award; the Tibbetts Individual Award, in recognition of unique contributions as a “Model of Excellence” for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program; White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges/Universities, Individual Recognition Award; and recognition by the NASA Space Science Symposium.

In his ongoing role at Northrup Grumman, Mr. Loza continues to oversee diversity initiatives that benefit Native Americans, minorities, the disabled, veterans, women and small businesses. His dedication and leadership have helped place Northrup Grumman at the forefront of corporations helping to advance interest in STEM amongst underrepresented groups, and his stewardship of the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program has inspired countless students to successfully complete their education and continue on to distinguished careers.